AN INITIATIVE aimed at combating alcohol-fuelled crime and disorder in the Medway area has resulted in alcohol being seized and people being fined for disorderly behaviour.

Since Monday, January 22, a team of officers have been patrolling town centres in Towns cracking down on violent crime and antisocial behaviour.

Team leader, PC Tim Price, said: "I am encouraged by the results that we have had so far and we are noticing fewer people breaching the alcohol control zone in Chatham Town Centre.

"The message is getting through that the police will not tolerate people acting anti-socially or causing a nuisance.

"This action is about making the town centres a safer place for traders and shoppers alike.

"We want to give law-abiding people the opportunity to take advantage of the excellent facilities on offer in Medway without worrying about people causing trouble."

The results so far:

* Fifty-two people have been arrested for various offences including shoplifting and drunkenness

* Thirty-one people have had to pay £30 fines for traffic offences (illegal parking etc)

* Fifty-two people have been fined £80 for shoplifting, criminal damage or public order

* About 125 people have had alcohol confiscated from them (mainly beer and cider)

* Three people were issued with street cautions for possessing cannabis

A police spokeswoman said: "The alcohol control zone is a joint effort by Kent Police in Medway and Medway council and came into force on Friday, January 5.

"The zone gives police and wardens the power to seize alcohol from people drinking in the High Street and surrounding areas in Chatham.

"This introduction is intended to help the authorities tackle drink fuelled crime and anti-social behaviour in the town.

"The action follows the introduction of a similar zone in Rochester that has been in place for over three years."

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